Long-Term Rice and Beans Storage with Mylar Bags

Why Rice and Beans Are Perfect for Long-Term Storage

When it comes to emergency food storage, rice and beans are often called the "dynamic duo" of survival foods—and for good reason. Together, they form a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids your body needs. They're also incredibly cost-effective, widely available, and when stored properly, can last 25-30 years or more.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the process of storing rice and beans for long-term emergency preparedness using mylar bags and oxygen absorbers—a method that has become the gold standard for DIY food preservation.

What You'll Need

Before we dive into the process, let's gather all the necessary supplies:

• Dry beans - Any variety (pinto, black, kidney, navy, etc.)
• White rice - Long grain white rice stores better than brown rice
• Mylar bags - 1-gallon size works well for most households
• Oxygen absorbers - 300-500cc per gallon bag
• 5-gallon food-grade buckets with lids - For secondary protection
• Measuring cup - For portioning
• Clothes iron or heat sealer - For sealing mylar bags
• Permanent marker - For labeling
• Desiccant packets (optional) - For additional moisture control
• Vacuum sealer (optional) - For smaller packages

Step 1: Prepare Your Rice and Beans

The first step is ensuring your rice and beans are ready for long-term storage:

Inspect and Clean

Carefully inspect your rice and beans for any signs of infestation, moisture, or foreign objects. While commercial products are generally clean, it's worth checking for:

• Small stones or debris
• Damaged or discolored grains/beans
• Signs of moisture or mold
• Evidence of insects or webs

Consider Pre-Freezing (Optional)

Some preppers freeze their rice and beans for 72 hours before packaging to kill any potential insect eggs. While this is optional (especially if using oxygen absorbers), it provides an extra layer of protection:

1. Place rice or beans in freezer-safe containers
2. Freeze for at least 72 hours at 0°F (-18°C) or below
3. Allow to return to room temperature before packaging (to prevent condensation)

Step 2: Prepare Your Mylar Bags

Mylar bags are the secret to truly long-term storage. These metallic-looking bags are actually made of several layers of food-safe plastic with a thin aluminum layer that creates an exceptional oxygen and moisture barrier.

Why Mylar?

Mylar provides several critical advantages over other storage methods:

• Superior oxygen barrier (essential for preventing oxidation)
• Excellent light protection (prevents nutrient degradation)
• Good moisture barrier (prevents mold and bacterial growth)
• Durable and puncture-resistant
• Food-safe interior layer

Bag Preparation

Before filling your bags:

1. Inspect each bag for holes or defects
2. Label bags with contents and packaging date
3. Consider adding cooking instructions if these will be used by others

Step 3: Fill Your Bags

Now it's time to fill your mylar bags with rice and beans:

Separate Storage

Always store rice and beans in separate bags—never mix them for long-term storage. This is because:

• They have different cooking times
• You may want to use them separately in recipes
• Different varieties have different shelf lives

Filling Guidelines

For best results:

1. Fill bags approximately 80% full (leave room for sealing)
2. A 1-gallon mylar bag typically holds about 5-6 pounds of rice or 4-5 pounds of beans
3. Avoid overfilling, which can stress seams and make sealing difficult
4. Gently shake the bag to settle contents and remove air pockets

Step 4: Add Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers are the key to achieving decades-long shelf life. These small packets contain iron powder that reacts with oxygen, effectively removing it from your sealed container.

Why Oxygen Absorbers Are Essential

Oxygen causes several problems in stored foods:

• Enables insect development (eggs can't hatch without oxygen)
• Promotes oxidation (rancidity in foods with any fat content)
• Supports aerobic bacteria and mold growth
• Degrades nutrients over time

Proper Oxygen Absorber Usage

To use oxygen absorbers correctly:

1. Work quickly once the package of oxygen absorbers is opened
2. Use 300-500cc absorbers for each 1-gallon mylar bag
3. Immediately reseal any unused absorbers in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag
4. Place the absorber at the top of the filled bag just before sealing

Step 5: Seal Your Mylar Bags

Properly sealing your mylar bags is critical to long-term storage success:

Sealing Process

1. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible
2. Fold the top of the bag over, leaving 1-2 inches of headspace
3. Place a straight edge (like a ruler or piece of wood) across the fold
4. Run a hot clothes iron across the edge for 3-5 seconds in sections until the entire width is sealed
5. Double-check the seal by gently trying to separate it
6. For extra security, create a second seal ½ inch above the first

Heat Sealer Alternative

While a clothes iron works well, a dedicated heat sealer designed for mylar provides more consistent results. These are relatively inexpensive and worth considering if you plan to store large quantities of food.

Step 6: Bucket Storage

While properly sealed mylar bags provide excellent protection, adding a second layer of defense with food-grade buckets offers several benefits:

• Protection from physical damage
• Defense against rodents and pests
• Stackable storage solution
• Additional moisture barrier
• Protection from light exposure

Bucket Packing Process

1. Place 4-6 sealed 1-gallon mylar bags into each 5-gallon bucket
2. Consider adding a desiccant packet between bags for extra moisture protection
3. Secure the lid firmly (gamma seal lids provide the best protection)
4. Label the bucket with contents and packaging date
5. Store buckets off the ground on pallets or shelving

Step 7: Storage Location

Even with perfect packaging, where you store your rice and beans matters significantly:

Ideal Storage Conditions

• Temperature: 50-70°F (10-21°C) is ideal. Every 10°F increase in temperature can cut shelf life in half.
• Humidity: Below 50% relative humidity
• Light: Dark or minimal light exposure
• Pests: Area free from rodents and insects
• Flooding: Elevated from potential water damage

Best Storage Locations

Consider these locations in order of preference:

1. Cool basement (if dry)
2. Interior closet on main floor
3. Under beds in guest rooms
4. Dedicated pantry

Locations to Avoid

• Garages (temperature fluctuations)
• Attics (excessive heat)
• Areas near furnaces or water heaters
• Damp basements
• Direct sunlight

Expected Shelf Life

When stored properly using the methods described above, you can expect impressive shelf lives:

• White Rice: 25-30+ years
• Dried Beans: 25-30+ years

Note that brown rice is not suitable for long-term storage due to its higher oil content, which causes rancidity even when oxygen is removed. Brown rice typically only lasts 6-18 months, even with optimal storage.

Using Your Stored Rice and Beans

Having a stockpile is only useful if you know how to use it effectively:

Rotation Strategy

While properly stored rice and beans will last decades, implementing a rotation strategy ensures you're familiar with using these foods:

• Use a portion of your storage in regular meal planning
• Replace what you use with fresh stock
• Practice cooking with only stored foods occasionally

Basic Cooking Instructions

For beans:

1. Soak dried beans for 8-12 hours (reduces cooking time and improves digestibility)
2. Drain and rinse
3. Cover with fresh water (about 3 cups water per cup of dried beans)
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer
5. Cook until tender (1-2 hours depending on bean variety)

For rice:

1. Rinse rice to remove excess starch
2. Use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer
4. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes
5. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes

Alternative Cooking Methods

In an emergency, you may need to cook without electricity:

• Solar ovens work well for both rice and beans
• Rocket stoves provide efficient cooking with minimal fuel
• Pressure cookers dramatically reduce cooking time and fuel usage
• Thermal cookers allow food to continue cooking after initial heating
• Haybox cooking (insulated cooking) conserves fuel

Enhancing Your Rice and Beans

While rice and beans provide excellent nutrition, eating the same foods repeatedly can cause food fatigue. Consider storing these complementary items:

• Spices and seasonings: Properly stored in mylar with oxygen absorbers, most spices will last 5+ years
• Bouillon cubes/powder: Adds significant flavor to basic rice and beans
• Dehydrated vegetables: Onions, peppers, carrots, etc.
• Canned meats: Add protein variety and flavor
• Hot sauce/condiments: Many have excellent shelf life
• Cooking oils: Necessary for complete nutrition, though shorter shelf life

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

How do I know if my mylar bags are properly sealed?

Within 24-48 hours after sealing, properly packaged mylar bags should become brick-like as the oxygen absorbers do their job. If your bags remain puffy or soft after this period, the seal may be compromised.

What if I find insects in my stored rice or beans?

If you discover insects in your stored products, the packaging was likely compromised or the oxygen absorbers failed. Discard affected packages and inspect others from the same batch carefully.

Can I store other grains and legumes this way?

Yes! This method works excellently for most dry grains and legumes, including:

• Wheat berries
• Oats
• Corn (dent corn, not sweet corn)
• Lentils
• Split peas
• Quinoa

Why not store rice and beans together?

While they're often cooked together, storing rice and beans separately gives you more flexibility in meal preparation and accounts for their different cooking requirements.

Conclusion

Rice and beans stored in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers represent one of the most cost-effective and nutritionally complete emergency food options available. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a food storage system that will provide peace of mind and sustenance for decades to come.

Remember that food storage is just one component of a comprehensive preparedness plan. Be sure to develop skills for cooking these foods under various conditions, and don't forget to address your water storage needs as well—both rice and beans require water for preparation.

With proper storage techniques and a little planning, you can build a food security foundation that will serve you and your family through whatever challenges may arise.